Former Metro FM presenter Njambi Koikai recalled how the station that was owned by the national broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) was dramatically shut down.
On Wednesday, November 30, Koikai shared how was disappointed after being instructed to make the final announcement before closure of the channel.
It was an ambush as she had not received any notice that the radio station was going to close down. The communication came as she was about to read the evening bulletin.
“11 years ago, today, one of my former radio bosses called us for a meeting. The first thing he asked, was, 'Who is reading the 4 pm news today?' I responded that I'd be reading the radio news,” she stated.
The reggae queen explained how hard it was hard for her to come to terms with the developments.
“He asked me to announce that Metro FM would be no more. I asked questions, we argued, we disagreed and I made the announcement.
In true Fyah Mummah fashion, I ended the reigns of Metro FM with Lucky Dube's Nobody Can Stop Reggae,” she narrated.
In denial, Koikai fought hard to block the closure of the KBC's most loved radio station but her efforts bore no fruits. She had sentimental attachment to the station as it had also made her famous in the country for her top-notch reggae shows.
“I held meetings with the board countless times to get the station reinstated. Spent countless days, presenting files to the Ministry of Information.
I was called in by the then Permanent Secretary and asked to tone it down. Anyway, it took a long time for me to heal from Metro Fm's closure,” she added.
The station, christened house of reggae went off-air in 2011. It hosted the first radio clash in Kenya on January 30, 2009, and Koikai was the main host alongside DJ Stano.
Its frequency was immediately replaced by Venus FM, a radio station that targeted the urban ladies in the country. The all-female channel however shut down.
